FieldPoint Modular
Distributed I/O System
FieldPoint Overview
FieldPoint
Modular architecture
Isolated I/O modules
Analog inputs
Analog outputs
Discrete I/O
Modular network interfaces
RS-232/RS-485
Ethernet TCP/IP
FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1
Easy installation and maintenance
HotPnP hot-swappable, plug and
play operation
Watchdog timer
Configurable power-up states
DIN rail mounting links power and
communications to every module
Rugged, industrial packaging
-40 to 70 °C operating range
Software
Configuration utilities
for Windows NT/98/95
OPC server
Servers/drivers for
BridgeVIEW
Lookout
LabVIEW
LabWindows/CVI
Overview
Modular System
FieldPoint features an innovative architecture that modularizes
the communications, I/O functions, and signal termination.
Therefore, you can independently choose which I/O modules,
industrial network, and signal termination style best fit your
particular application. With the modular architecture of
FieldPoint, you can easily adapt the system to different industrial
networks as additional network modules become available.
FieldPoint includes three classes of components that make
this flexibility possible:
• I/O modules
• Terminal bases
• Network modules
I/O Modules
Distributed I/O
FieldPoint is a modular distributed I/O
system that provides economical
solutions for industrial monitoring and
control applications. The FieldPoint
system includes a variety of analog and
digital I/O modules, terminal bases,
network modules that connect I/O modules to industrial
networks, and high-level software tools.
FieldPoint simplifies installation and maintenance with
HotPnP hot-swappable autoconfiguration, extensive fault and
error detection, watchdog timers, and programmable power-up
and failure-mode states. In addition, the rugged packaging of
FieldPoint and its adherence to extreme environmental
specifications and certifications ensure that FieldPoint is ideal for
use in industrial environments.
The FieldPoint system includes a number of software options.
In addition to the FieldPoint OPC Server, which delivers
standardized connectivity to any OPC-compliant software
package, we include specific driver and software libraries for use
with National Instruments software packages, including
BridgeVIEW, Lookout, LabVIEW, and LabWindows/CVI.
I/O modules include a variety of analog and discrete I/O
modules that interface to numerous signal types, including
analog voltage inputs, thermocouples, RTDs, 4-20 mA inputs
and outputs, and discrete (AC/DC) inputs and outputs. Each
FieldPoint I/O module includes an electronic data sheet that is
automatically uploaded to the network module for
autoconfiguration. I/O modules are installed on a base that
contains terminals for field wiring connections. You can plug
and unplug I/O modules from the terminal bases without
powering down the system and without disconnecting your
field wiring.
Terminal Bases
Terminal bases are universal bases that can accept any FieldPoint
I/O modules. They clip onto a standard DIN rail or can be panel
mounted. As multiple bases are installed, the bases together
construct the high-speed local bus that efficiently transfers data
between the I/O modules and the network module. The bus
also links power to the I/O modules, so you do not need to wire
power to every module.
National Instruments
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463
FieldPoint Overview
FieldPoint Modular
Distributed I/O System
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Ethernet TCP/IP
RS-232
RS-485
FOUNDATION Fieldbus
Distributed I/O
Figure 1. A FieldPoint system distributes I/O and control using standard networks.
Network Modules
Network modules provide connectivity between the industrial
network and your I/O modules. The network module
communicates with the local I/O modules via the high-speed
local bus formed by linked bases. The intelligent network
communication module provides features, such as plug and
play module operation, SnapShot, watchdog timer, and selftests, that make system installation, configuration, and
maintenance extremely simple.
Current options for network modules include RS-232/RS-485,
10 Mb/s and 100 Mb/s Ethernet, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1.
The FOUNDATION Fieldbus network module, the FP-3000, is a
distributed controller that executes fieldbus function blocks,
including PID, to form the building block of a distributed control
system.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
FieldPoint includes a number of mechanical and electronic
features that make installation and maintenance as easy and
trouble free as possible.
HotPnP Hot-Swappable, Plug and Play
With the FieldPoint system, you can perform hot insertion of I/O
modules into the bases under system power. In addition, each
I/O module includes an electronic data sheet that is
automatically uploaded to the network module when installed.
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FieldPoint offers rugged, modular solutions with distributed I/O
for industrial monitoring and control.
National Instruments
Phone: (512) 794-0100 • Fax: (512) 683-8411 • info@natinst.com • www.natinst.com
FieldPoint Modular
Distributed I/O System
FieldPoint Overview
I/O Modules
• Analog and discrete I/O options
mV, V, 20 mA
thermocouples, RTDs
discrete I/O, counters, relays, PWM
• Isolated I/O
• Hot-swappable, plug and play operation
Network Modules
• Connects to industrial networks
RS-232/RS-485
Ethernet TCP/IP
FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1
• Diagnostics and system management
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This plug and play operation simplifies system installation,
configuration, and maintenance. When you replace an I/O
module, the network module automatically verifies that the
replacement I/O module is compatible with the one that was
removed and configures the replacement module with the
predecessor’s configuration, including status of output channels
and power-up states.
SnapShot Command
With the SnapShot feature, you can very easily and dynamically
set the default power-up states and configurations of your I/O
modules. After interactively configuring the I/O modules to the
desired settings (configuration and/or output values), you issue
the SnapShot command. This causes the network module to
memorize the entire configuration and states of all the I/O
Distributed I/O
Terminal Bases
Supply I/O signal connections
Form high-speed backplane bus
Bus power to I/O modules
Easy DIN rail or panel mounting
modules in the node, storing the settings in nonvolatile memory.
On subsequent power-ups, the network module automatically
restores these settings to each I/O module in the node.
Diagnostics
The network module includes a watchdog timer to detect long
periods of network inactivity. In a time-out condition, the
network module sets all the outputs in the I/O modules in its
node to user-defined failure-mode states. In addition, the
network modules perform a self-test suite on power-up to verify
its own operational status; each I/O command to a FieldPoint
module returns status and error conditions. I/O modules include
I/O diagnostics, such as open thermocouple detection and
open current loop detection.
National Instruments
Phone: (512) 794-0100 • Fax: (512) 683-8411 • info@natinst.com • www.natinst.com
465
FieldPoint Overview
FieldPoint Modular
Distributed I/O System
Installation and Mounting
Terminal bases and network modules mount securely onto
standard DIN rails with rugged, easy-to-operate clips. You can
also mount FieldPoint systems onto a panel.
Power (11 to 30 VDC) is connected to the network module,
which in turn filters, regulates, and buses this power to all of the
I/O modules in the node. Therefore, you do not need to
physically wire power to each I/O module. Each connection
between the I/O module and terminal base is keyed to prevent
incorrect installation of an I/O module onto a base with
incompatible wiring. Each I/O module is self-documented with
convenient wiring diagrams on the module label. The label also
provides usable space for custom labeling.
Environmental Ruggedness
Distributed I/O
The FieldPoint system is designed to operate in the harsh
environments of industrial applications. Most components can
operate over a wide temperature range of -40 to 70 °C and are
specified to withstand a high degree of vibration and shock.
Modules are optically isolated to 3,000 Vrms between the field
wiring and the local bus and power supply, with double
insulation for a safety working voltage of 250 Vrms.
I/O Modules
Module
FP-AI-100
FP-AI-110
FP-AI-111
FP-TC-120
FP-RTD-122
FP-AO-200
FP-DI-330
FP-DI-300
FP-DI-301
FP-DO-400
FP-DO-401
FP-RLY-420
FP-CTR-500
FP-PWM-520
Type
12-bit analog inputs
16-bit analog inputs
16-bit analog inputs
thermocouple inputs
RTD inputs
analog outputs
discrete inputs, universal
discrete inputs
discrete inputs
discrete outputs
discrete outputs
relays, SPST
counter inputs
PWM outputs
Terminal Bases
Base
FP-TB-1
FP-TB-2
Network Modules
Module
FP-1000
FP-1001
FP-3000
FP-1600
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I/O modules include removable label cards and wiring
documentation information printed on the module.
Software
The FieldPoint system includes software tools that simplify
integration of the FieldPoint system into a variety of software
applications for Windows NT and Windows 95.
Channels
8
8
16
8
8
8
8
8
16
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16
8
8
8
Signal Ranges
±1 V to 36 V, 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA
mV, V, 0-20 mA, 4-20 mA
0-20 mA, 4-20 mA
thermocouples, mV
100 Ω Pt, 1,000 Ω Pt, resistance
0-20 mA, 4-20 mA
5 to 240 VAC/VDC
24 VDC
24 VDC
24 VDC (10 to 30 VDC)
24 VDC (10 to 30 VDC)
3A at 35 VDC or 250 VAC
24 VDC, 50 khz
5, 12, or 24 VDC, 1 A
Description
screw terminal base (36 terminals)
spring terminal base (36 terminals)
Network
RS-232
RS-485
FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1
Ethernet, 10BaseT, and 100BaseTX
National Instruments
Phone: (512) 794-0100 • Fax: (512) 683-8411 • info@natinst.com • www.natinst.com
Configuration Software
FieldPoint Explorer
FieldPoint Explorer
NI-FBUS Configurator
FieldPoint Explorer
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FieldPoint Modular
Distributed I/O System
FieldPoint Overview
FieldPoint Explorer is a configuration utility for both FieldPoint hardware and server software.
FieldPoint Explorer is a Windows-based program that you can
use to quickly configure your RS-232/RS-485 or Ethernet
FieldPoint I/O system and verify operation. You can interactively
set every configurable parameter of FieldPoint modules,
including ranges, power-up status, and watchdog settings with
the FieldPoint Explorer through easy-to-use graphical windows.
You can also read and write data from I/O modules to test and
verify proper operation. You can use the FieldPoint Explorer to
configure your server software for use with BridgeVIEW,
Lookout, LabVIEW, and LabWindows/CVI.
standard interface based on ActiveX and OLE technology.
Because OPC uses DCOM technology, client applications can
access data from remote OPC servers over the network.
The FieldPoint system also includes an integrated BridgeVIEW
server, Lookout driver, VIs for directly accessing the FieldPoint
server from LabVIEW and a LabWindows/CVI instrument driver.
Distributed I/O
FieldPoint Explorer for RS-232/RS-485 and Ethernet
OEM Capabilities
The FieldPoint system is suitable for a wide range of applications
for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Contact
National Instruments for more information on OEM
opportunities and pricing.
FOUNDATION Fieldbus Configurator
NI-FBUS Configurator is a 32-bit Windows application for
complete configuration of F OUNDATION Fieldbus segments,
including FieldPoint I/O nodes. NI-FBUS Configurator includes
an easy-to-use, multiwindow interface that guides you through
all aspects of fieldbus and FieldPoint configuration, including
device configuration, function block configuration, and project
and schedule management.
OPC Servers and Software Interfaces
FieldPoint systems include an OPC Server free of charge.
Therefore, you can easily integrate FieldPoint systems with any
software that has OPC client capability. OPC is an industry-
National Instruments
Phone: (512) 794-0100 • Fax: (512) 683-8411 • info@natinst.com • www.natinst.com
467